Following the approval of a district map earlier this year, Buellton is holding its first district elections on Nov. 8 to fill two City Council seats and the mayor position.
Districts on this year’s ballot include District 1 and District 4, which will be elected by residents living in those areas. The mayor position will continue to be elected at-large.
Buellton residents can determine which district they live in by using this interactive map.
The following is information on each candidate running for the Buellton City Council in the November election.
Mayor
Holly Sierra, Buellton’s mayor, is being termed out with this election. The position — which has a two-year term — is up for grabs, and Councilwoman Elysia Lewis and Councilman Dave King both have their sights set on the role.
Dave King (Contributed photo)
Elysia Lewis (Contributed photo)
Lewis, who has a law degree and works as the business manager for the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District, was elected to the City Council in 2020. She said her goals include making Buellton more inclusive, diverse and safe, and providing more family-friendly opportunities.
“I value the leadership that our previous mayor, Holly Sierra, has provided to the city, and I feel strongly about the direction she is moving us in,” Lewis said. “I want to make sure those forward strides are not lost in her absence.”
She also emphasized her focus on supporting local businesses and very strategic development.
“I think that it’s very important that we [support local small businesses] to foster a sense of community among our businesses and residents,” Lewis said. “Our city needs this type of growth and sense of community to be strong.”
In addition to increasing opportunities for all residents, regardless of age or socioeconomic status, Lewis said she wants to ensure that several groups of people are represented in the council and other local boards and commissions.
“I know there is a lot of talk going around right now that the mayor needs to be somebody who has more time,” Lewis said, acknowledging that she is a mother of four children and works full time. “For a diverse City Council, different demographics are going to face different hurdles. That doesn’t make me a less qualified candidate; it just makes me different.”
King, a retired California Highway Patrol officer, has been on the Buellton City Council on and off since 2008.
He said he first ran for council in 2007 after noticing large developments in the area and wanting to become more involved.
“I started seeing some really big developments crop up in the valley, so I kind of wanted to make sure I had a say in that,” King said. “When you overdevelop in a small area, the infrastructure can’t keep up.”
Some of King’s goals include encouraging family and youth recreation, keeping the city’s budget in check, and improving the Avenue of Flags.
“I don’t want to see [Buellton] get overrun and become a place that I don’t want to live in anymore,” King said.
He added that he wants to continue improving the Avenue of Flags to make it a more pedestrian-friendly business atmosphere to “keep Buellton a small-town vibe.”
“I always keep the best interest of the people of Buellton in mind. I’m not on the council for political aspiration for a higher office,” King said. “Buellton is my town, and whatever the City Council does affects me as well.”
District 1
Candidates for Buellton’s District 1 seat include Hudson Hornick and Tom Widroe.
Tom Widroe (Contributed photo)
Hudson Hornick (Contributed photo)
Hornick, an attorney for a local government agency, moved to Buellton in 2018 and said he was encouraged by other residents to run for the council position.
“Buellton is coming to a crossroads with development,” Hornick said. “I really see Buellton as a great place with great potential. … I would like to see Buellton become more family friendly.”
One of Hornick’s focuses include keeping Buellton safe and creating a town center on the Avenue of Flags that is more pedestrian and bicyclist friendly.
Development is another key part of Hornick’s goals, saying that Buellton needs developers who will share the council’s vision for the city.
“If we could guide development in Buellton, that would be key,” Hornick said. “The goal is to take development on a case-by-case basis and see if it works with our goals or plans.”
Hornick spoke to his experience working with government agencies and serving as treasurer on Rancho De Maria’s homeowners association.
“My training as an attorney really helps me assess the decisions with a critical eye,” Hornick said. “I feel like I’m qualified for the position because I pay attention, and I attend City Council and Planning Commission meetings.”
Widroe, who has worked for former Congressman Elton Gallegly and former Santa Barbara County Supervisor Brooks Firestone, has lived in Buellton since 2010.
“It’s been home, so I feel a kind of commitment to the well-being of Buellton,” Widroe said. “As Buellton grows a little bit over time, it needs an increased level of commitment. … I’m willing to step up and serve.”
With lots of families living in Buellton, public safety and “letting criminals know they’re not welcome in Buellton” are important to Widroe.
He also talked about making the Avenue of Flags a more walkable community and allowing businesses to succeed, and the need to build more single-family homes to bring more families to Buellton.
“If I am elected, I’m a pretty accessible person. People can always reach out whether they’re pleased or displeased,” Widroe said. “I will serve with some humility and always listen.”
District 4
Candidates looking to represent Buellton’s District 4 include David Silva and Art Mercado.
Art Mercado (Contributed photo)
David Silva (Contributed photo)
Silva, an educational fundraiser and longtime Santa Barbara County resident, said he decided to run for the City Council after his partner was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Dealing with both COVID-19 and his partner’s diagnosis showed Silva the resources that are or aren’t accessible within Buellton and made him want to get more involved.
“There are things that Buellton can improve on that maybe people haven’t considered,” Silva said.
Silva said he wanted to work on improving the city’s accessibility, such as installing more crosswalks or providing more transportation for those who can’t drive or easily walk through Buellton.
As far as growth and development in Buellton, Silva emphasized wanting to take a thoughtful and structured approach.
“How can we plan out a Buellton that still has its small-town charm but … provides sustainable opportunities for people to buy a home and build a family?” Silva said.
Silva said he wants the council to invest in what the average family in Buellton would want or need to fully enjoy what Buellton has to offer. He added that his partner’s diagnosis really showed how his neighbors in Buellton are willing to help and that it reinforced his passion in helping others.
“I have seen what this community can do when we all come together,” Silva said. “That is the anchor that I want to bring to the council.”
Art Mercado, who previously served on the Buellton City Council and is now on the city’s Planning Commission, has been in Buellton for more than 30 years.
“I like the fact that I can give back to the city,” Mercado said.
Mercado said the three most important topics for Buellton right now are police, water and infrastructure.
“We want to make Buellton a safe town and be able to raise our grandchildren here,” he said.
He also said his previous background on the council and his experience on the Planning Commission will allow him to navigate upcoming state laws affecting Buellton.
“The state keeps telling us we have to have more housing,” Mercado said. “We do need more housing, but we need the right type of housing. … We want to keep Buellton at the right size.”
With the small size of the community, Mercado said he just wants to do what’s right for Buellton.
“I think I can offer a lot to the city with my experience,” Mercado said. “I can make the tough decisions when you have to. I don’t have any ulterior motives or coming with any hidden agenda. I try to do what’s best for the citizens of this community. … We’re a small community, we’re a family here.”
— Noozhawk staff writer Serena Guentz can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.
